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Friday, 10 August 2012

My Favourite Blade (Number 9) - Phil Jagielka

The latest in our Summer series sees an England international nominated by Leigh Drake (@omarlittlerules). Those who saw this player in his early days at United could see he had talent and over his Bramall Lane career he quickly demonstrated he had the potential to represent his country in major tournaments.

I’ve been watching United since
November 1979.Not the best time to
start watching – just before THAT Christmas but as a 9 year old I fell in love
with the whole experience at a wet 1st Round FA Cup game at Bramall
Lane against non-league Burscough.Stood
on the Panini stickers family corner of the Kop next to a man who dressed and
swore like a South Yorkshire version of Rab C Nesbitt, how could I fail to be
caught up in the magic of it all?

In the intervening time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some
fantastic (and some not so fantastic) games filled with memorable moments.My choice of “favourite Blade” is a
modern-day one, chosen for more reasons than just how he was in the beloved shirt.

Philip Nikodem Jagielka played for Sheffield United through
the youth team and on into the senior squad making his debut there in
2000.I remember seeing him and thinking
he needed to bulk up a bit and that he had a long way to go to become a regular
in the first team.I wasn’t the only one
with the same opinions but the raw energy and enthusiasm to play was there in
abundance.

Jags has been responsible for 3 on-pitch events that have
provided sheer joy to Sheffield United fans.

Firstly – his 35+ yard equaliser against Premiership Leeds
United in the League Cup, November 2002 is STILL one of the best goals I have
seen, anywhere.It still makes the hairs
on the back of my neck stand up watching it again.The atmosphere at that game was electric and to
have a goal like that just brought the whole crowd to its feet.

Secondly, Jags gave United their first Premiership victory
since 1994 when he half-volleyed (again after chesting the ball down some 35
yards out) into the Middlesbrough net, this time in front of the Kop.A shaven-headed Jagielka face-sliding onto
the turf while the ground erupted is another of those fantastic moments he has
given us.

Third and perhaps completely overlooked by many is the home
game on December 30th 2006 against Arsenal when Paddy Kenny suffered
a thigh injury early in the second half.United were 1-0 up thanks to a great piece of individual work by
Christian Nade and needed to hold on for the next 30+ minutes to secure the
victory.Jags swapped shirts with the
injured Kenny and will be forever remembered for his last minute save against
Robin Van Persie (what happened to him?).

For these three incidents alone Phil Jagielka deserves his
place in Blades history but his contribution is much, much more.

Off the pitch Jags always conducted himself with a maturity
beyond his years, a trait that I understand continues through to this day.Having met him early in his senior career at
a Bramall Lane open day he was more than happy to sit with everyone who wanted
a photo, to chat and to promote a positive image of Sheffield United –
qualities which don’t always come as standard with those who are lucky enough
to earn money playing a sport they love.

Courted by many Premier League clubs Jags stuck by his club
for many years more than others less talented cared to do.It felt like Jags wanted to learn his trade
to ensure he didn’t just end up being a bench player or worse, one that was
sent out on loan instead of being given a chance to shine.This way of thinking paid off for him when he
eventually left for Merseyside.It
appears Jags had and still has his feet firmly on the ground and that is not
only a credit to him but to those around him, friends, family and workmates
should all be included.

Finally, Jags always gave 100% - something that above all
else – is applauded roundly at Bramall Lane. As a group of fans we havealways appreciated a trier. When that effort
is combined with a great deal of footballing ability it makes him stand out even
more.

So, although I can claim to have seen a large number of well
known, bigger named, respected players come and go at Bramall Lane it’s the
contributions of Phil Jagielka that have stuck with me.I know I am not the only Blade who still
follows Jags at Everton and in his England appearances, something that cannot
be said of many others who once wore the red and white stripes.